The memorial to Drummer Lee Rigby, British Army soldier who was murdered by Islamist knifemen outside his barracks in Woolwich, London, has been vandalised just days before the anniversary of his death.

Police have launched an investigation after they were called to the monument to the slain soldier Thursday morning. Officers said the attack on the site likely took place overnight.

advertisement

25-year-old Fusilier Rigby, a British army machine gunner and Afghanistan veteran, was killed on the 22nd of May 2013 by Islamist killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale who mounted the pavement in their car to run him over, before dismounting and stabbing him with knives and attempting to decapitate him.

Mourners attend the funeral of Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013 / Getty

In a statement to the press, London police headquarters Scotland Yard said of the vandalism incident: “Police were called at 11:44hrs on Thursday, 18 May to a report that flags at the Lee Rigby memorial in Hillreach, Charlton, SE15 – opposite the Royal Artillery Barracks – had been damaged, with some possibly stolen.

“Officers have attended and are making enquiries; a crime scene is in place.

“It is believed that the memorial was damaged sometime overnight on Wednesday, 17 May into Thursday, 18 May.

“Local officers will be conducting reassurance patrols.”

The force appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The memorial in question is opposite the barrack gates of the Royal Artillery in Woolwich, where Rigby was stationed at the time of his murder.